New (very old) Regulation Doublet !

**jmercier** · 9th January 09, 06:09 PM

This all started out with a thread on the bladeforums.com that's been around for a year + "week-end post, what are you doing" and I mentioned there that i was going to try to learn to sew, cutting down an old sports coat of mine to have something nicer to wear with the new kilt that I just got from our very own Matt Newsome. A fellow there, bladsmth, aka Stacy asked what jacket size I wore and suggested I check tux rental places in the area for former rentals. I checked out the few near me, but none sold used tuxes, but I did get measured (40R to 40L depending on how I like my sleeves) and let him know.

Justin,
Send me your shipping address.
Santa missed your house last week and left some things for you here.

I just went to the closet to check on several old jackets that I made. I have a black formal Prince Charlie, and a blue one, both custom made,so I will never wear any of these again.

There are five old jackets in there (actually seven, but I am keeping two heavy ones for cold weather parades).
One is converted from a mess jacket and looks pretty nice. I hand braided the epaulets.
One is re-sewn (by me) from a tuxedo jacket.It is OK, but pretty light weight wool.
One is completely re-sewn by me from a very high quality tuxedo jacket. It is a first rate jacket and looks great.
One is a blue jacket (sort of a short mess jacket look) that I made from an air force uniform jacket (Russian or Checz, IIRC).
These four range in size from 40R to 42R.

The last one is the real prize.
It is a full Sheriffmuir with the vest. It belonged to a long time friend, who passed away, and it was given to me by his family. It is very old, but in good shape. A few stitches in the lining seams and trip to the cleaners would be about all it needs.
Size is a 38-40R by my guess. Hand made in Edinburgh by Stark brothers 70-80 years ago.
There are hidden pockets in the flaps, and inside pockets,too.
It is lined, padded, and quilted on the inside. This was not a cheap coat and vest when it was made.
It is your now, if it fits.

I am shipping the whole batch to you.
Keep what fits you and pass the rest on to others with my compliments.
If the Sheriffmuir won't work for you ( I think it will fit perfect) I would like to have it back, but if it fits, it is yours for keeps.

I can have them to you by mid-week. If you get the Sheriffmuir to the cleaners ASAP, it should be ready to go easily by Burn's Nicht.The stitching in the lining is just a few minutes work (I'd suggest you do it before the cleaning).

Stacy Elliott Apelt, FSAScot

They arrived yesterday, and the doublet turns out to not be a Sheriffmuir, but a regulation doublet, and it's lovely ! I spent last night and this morning repairing the lining and a few other spots on the seams that were coming loose and took a few quick pictures. My camera sucks at focusing when i use the self timer, so these aren't very good images, but I'm so happy right now !

*bounces around happily*